ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — New exclusive video obtained by Channel 9 Eyewitness News reveals the terrifying seconds before a deadly crash on International Drive near SeaWorld early Sunday morning. The footage, shared by the family of the victims, shows the driver running a red light just moments before slamming into a couple from Connecticut.
The video, recorded on Snapchat inside the suspect’s truck, captures the reckless behavior of 19-year-old Christopher Laureda. The recording cuts out a split second before the impact.
Laureda’s Ford F-250 struck a Volkswagen Jetta carrying Nealson Carrasquillo, 29, and his fiancée, Jalissa Velazquez, 23. The force of the collision caused the truck to overturn. First responders used the jaws of life to extract the victims. Carrasquillo was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Jalissa survived but suffered severe injuries, including broken ribs, a fractured spine, and shoulder fractures. She was placed in an induced coma until Thursday.
The victims’ families have been in Orlando since Monday to care for Jalissa and identify Nealson’s body. They tell Channel 9 they plan to attend every court hearing until they get justice.
Nealson’s mother, Brenda Lopez, spoke about the pain of losing her son.
“His smile. He had such a beautiful smile,” Lopez said through tears.
Laureda faces charges for DUI involving death and leaving the scene of a crash. He bonded out earlier this week but appeared in court Friday morning to modify his release conditions. When asked if he had anything to say to the family, Laureda told Channel 9, “I’m sorry.”
However, Jalissa’s mother, Jessica Fuentes, says that the apology doesn’t feel sincere.
“He’s showing no remorse. Not to me at least,” Fuentes said.
Fuentes also expressed anger after viewing the exclusive Snapchat video provided by Channel 9, noting that Laureda had other passengers in his vehicle during the reckless drive.
“Who does that? I don’t understand how that could be a joke. You have passengers. You’re passing red lights in Florida,” she said.
During Friday’s hearing, a judge ruled that Laureda is not allowed to apply for a passport without court permission, as one of his terms of release was to turn in his passport, which he does not currently possess.
Jalissa remains recovering at the hospital. The family is currently making arrangements to transport Nealson’s body back to Connecticut.
Those wishing to support the family during this difficult time can contribute to their GoFundMe campaign.
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash. Additional charges may be pending.
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